In many quiet areas of Japan, you might notice plastic water bottles placed along fences, gardens, and walls. This is a known practice called “nekoyoke,” or “cat deterrent,” used to keep stray cats from causing damage or disturbing residents.
Cats are beloved in Japan, but strays can create problems by scratching people, leaving waste, or harming plants. The water bottles serve as a gentle deterrent without harming the animals.
People believe the bottles work because light shining through the water creates reflections or flashes that scare cats. Another theory is that cats see confusing reflections of themselves, which makes them uncomfortable.
@japan Anyone walking around streets in Japan will very quickly notice many plastic bottles filled with water have been placed up against houses and walls, between flower pots, lining fences and walls, tucked into corners and so on. This behaviour was imported from the West and is believed to repel street animals. Known as “nekoyoke” (meaning “cat repellant”) they are one of the distinctive features of the Japanese urban landscape. The trend exploded overseas as far back as the 1980s in Europe and America where it was primarily directed at dogs and bottles are often scattered on lawns, but as street dogs don’t really exist in Japan, here it’s focussed on keeping cats at bay. The idea is that light from the sun (or from streetlamps at night) shines through the water in the bottle and “flashes” the cat, thereby frightening it and causing it to run away. Of course, even if this were true it would be useless on cloudy days or in any shaded position. However as with most superstitions, people conveniently overlook such small details and carry on regardless. “The reason why the water bottles work is because the cats don’t like looking at their distorted reflection” 🎥 by izzanammi (dm us please for credits or removal) #japan #japantips #japaneseculture #japantrip ♬ original sound – Taste of Japan 🇯🇵
Though animal experts doubt the scientific validity of this method, many continue to use it since it’s easy, safe, and fits with Japanese cultural values of gentle problem-solving.
Next time you see these bottles, you’ll know they’re part of a peaceful tradition aimed at protecting both homes and animals.
